By B Izzak & KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait on Tuesday officially started implementing new and more stringent laws aiming to curb traffic deaths and protect lives, with the legislation marking a watershed in national efforts to ensure road traffic safety and protection. The new rules, which come as a result of a sharp rise in traffic crashes and violations over the past years, are tantamount to an effort to generate more road safety awareness, while the new law gives police officers the authority to detain those committing grave traffic violations.

A top official at the traffic department warned motorists on Tuesday of crossing speed limits as the new traffic law came into effect. Brig Khaled Al-Adwani told Kuwait TV that even if motorists cross the speed limit by just one kilometer, they will be fined between KD 70 and 150, depending on the extent of the violation. The fine for speeding in the previous law was just KD 20. Al-Adwani also said motorists who use mobile phones for map apps will not be fined, provided it does not distract them. He also warned those who disturb people with noise could land in jail.

According to government data, traffic-related deaths and violations have seen a “harrowing” increase in recent years, attributed to lax rules and regulations, along with a rise in pedestrian fatalities. The interior ministry had launched an extensive campaign aiming to boost public visibility and awareness on the new traffic law, while a number of officials have appeared on state television to discuss these regulations.

Meanwhile, the interior ministry warned individuals and establishments on Tuesday from carrying out cryptocurrency mining in Kuwait, because it is unlicensed and violates the law. The ministry said in a statement that crypto mining consumes large quantities of electricity that could result in outages in residential and industrial areas.

The ministry added the warning comes after coordination between several ministries and departments, including the ministries of interior and electricity, Kuwait Municipality, Public Authority for Industry and others. Crypto mining is a highly complicated process in which advanced computers are used to solve complex mathematical problems. Miners have to compete against each other in the complicated process to verify the cryptocurrency. The mining process is essential for maintaining the integrity and security of a cryptocurrency network and could be highly profitable.

Separately, cybercrime police have detected several attempts to hack surveillance cameras in the country, it said in a statement on Tuesday. It urged people to update their camera systems and avoid placing cameras indoors to protect their privacy and security. It further warned that publishing photos or videos taken as a result of hacking surveillance cameras is punishable by law in Kuwait.